The first–ever California Entertainment Week will make its debut next month in the “Media Capital of The World,” Burbank, CA, as it brings together leaders from all facets of the global music, digital, radio, entertainment and technology sectors. The multi–day event will descend upon the city on Monday, March 25th, and conclude on Friday, March 29th, with a kick–off wine–tasting and music showcase event on Sunday, March 24th at SIR Studios in Hollywood.

The week–long event will unite the annual global music business conference and showcase event, MUSEXPO, with the Worldwide Radio Summit as part of the newly–unveiled California Entertainment Week, set to take place at the resort–like facility, Castaway, located in the scenic hills of Burbank, just minutes away from the offices of The Walt Disney Company, Disney Music Group, Freemantle Media, ABC, Hollywood Records, ESPN, Marvel Comics Studios, Lucasfilm, Warner Bros. Studios, DC Comics, Freeform TV, peermusic, iHeartRadio, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, The Burbank Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, Cartoon Network, Insomniac Games, The CW Television Network, NBCUniversal, Universal Pictures, KPWR “Power 106” Los Angeles and many others.

For a full list of all speakers, as well as information on registration (including a special discount offer to attend the full California Entertainment Week with access to MUSEXPO’s Creative Summit & the Worldwide Radio Summit), event partnership/sponsorship opportunities, direct flights to Burbank Airport, and conference discount hotel room bookings within the Burbank, CA area, visit www.musexpo.net.

WARNER MUSIC LAUNCHES ASYLUM RECORDS IN SWEDEN

Warner Music Sweden announced today that it is launching the legendary label, Asylum Records, which will be based in Stockholm and operate as Asylum Records Nordic. Sweden becomes the third country, after the U.S. and the U.K., where Asylum Records is now in operation. Asylum was founded in 1971 by legendary record company executive, David Geffen.

Kabiru Bello

Asylum Records Nordic will also oversee a fully functioning new studio called Rex Music Studios, encompassing both a label and publishing company, and focusing on developing artists, producers and songwriters. Rex Music Studios and offices will be based in central Stockholm at Kungstensgatan 28B and will include 260 square meters of brand–new space featuring a rehearsal area, lounge, kitchen, office and three recording studios.

Asylum Nordic will be led by Warner Music Sweden’s A&R Director, Kabiru Bello, who tells A&R Worldwide, “I see the start of Asylum Records as a great opportunity to give a home to urban and pop music here at Warner Music Sweden. I am also convinced that the premises on Kungstensgatan will literally be like a second home for creators at the label. Freedom and creativity come first with us at Asylum and with our expertise we can realize the artists’ vision. I’m extremely honored, proud and happy that I have been given an opportunity and trust to help run Asylum Records here in Sweden and look forward to the musical adventure.”

Bello also tells A&R Worldwide that he is actively searching to sign new artists to the venture.

“DISRUPTIBUTION” CONTINUES ACROSS THE GLOBAL MUSIC LANDSCAPE

Distribution has become one of the fastest evolving sectors of the global music industry as companies worldwide find ways to make the pipeline between the artist and the consumer more effective, and more efficient. The past week saw a number of key developments to in the distribution community as the evolution continues.

Among the announcements are Big Sync Music’s acquisition by Songtradr via a multi–million–dollar cash and equity deal. Based in London, Big Sync’s footprint includes teams in Singapore and New York and sees the firm sourcing music for ad campaigns for household brands on a local, regional and global level. Among the company’s clients are Dove, Knorr, Magnum, Johnnie Walker, Samsung, Amazon and Lipton. The deal sees Big Sync Co–Founder, Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s venture capital division), parting ways and assuming a minority shareholder stake in Songtradr. Big Sync will maintain its relationship with clients to offer independent music supervision, composition, licensing and rights management services.

Songtradr’s CEO, Paul Wiltshire, is set to join March’s MUSEXPO Creative Summit programming in Burbank CA, as part of a special forum focused on “Distruptibution.” Wiltshire will be joined on the session by Amy Dietz – Executive Vice President & General Manager, Ingrooves Music Group; Chris Taylor – Global President Music, Entertainment One; Mandar Thakur – COO, Times Music India; Mathew Daniel – VP, International, NetEase Cloud Music; and Michael Chase – A&R/Business Development, MGM Distribution, as well as a special presentation by Single Music's CEO, Tommy Stalknecht, as they present their diverse perspectives on the distribution and marketing of music to the masses.

Also revealed was SoundCloud’s entry into the distribution arena via a new offering for its SoundCloud Premier platform. The new feature allows creators who are monetizing original work on SoundCloud to add their music directly to leading services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Instagram, Spotify, Tencent and YouTube Music. To make use of the new service, artists must have a SoundCloud Pro or Pro Unlimited account and count 1,000 plays in the past month in territories that have SoundCloud listener subscriptions such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands and New Zealand.

Additionally, A&R Worldwide has learned that former Shazam executive, Richard Westover, has joined SoundCloud in a music data consultancy role. Westover parted ways with Shazam last year, having served as Head of Music Data Services for the music recognition platform. Westover’s background prior to Shazam includes stints at Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Arista Records.

GLOBAL NEWS UPDATES…

Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings has named Allison Kaye Partner. Kaye was promoted to President of SB Projects last July, having served as President of Music since 2016, prior. With SB Projects, Kaye has worked alongside Braun to manage all aspects of the company’s operations including music, TV, film, social good, technology and lifestyle. Recently, she led Ariana Grande’s record–breaking full–length release, thank u, next, which saw Grande holding the top three spots all at the same time on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first artist to achieve the feat since The Beatles in 1964. Kaye was the first employee to join SB Projects in 2007 and has played a key role in a number of the firm’s biggest successes. Kaye is set to join the MUSEXPO Creative Summit Global Keynote forum on March 25th in Burbank, CA alongside a number of other innovative and influential executives from across the music and media landscape.

Atlantic Records has announced a new partnership with leading West Coast creative agency, R Baron Group, for the launch of a new label under the banner, The Machine Works. Among the first signings under the new set–up are LA–based emcees AzChike and 1TakeJay. Atlantic Records will work alongside Warner Music Group subsidiary, Asylum Records, on marketing, distribution and promotional efforts for The Machine Works and its roster. Founded by TK Kimbro and Jeremiah Aubert, R Baron Group is a full–service music management company that specializes in management, marketing, creative direction, A&R and production. The duo represent a roster of emerging talent that includes management clients Shoreline Mafia, Drakeo the Ruler, AzChike, 1TakeJay, BandGang Lonnie Bands, RonRon the Producer, The Hit Mob and Bruce 24k. Behind the success of Shoreline Mafia and RonRon The Producer, specifically, R Baron Group has entered the mainstream market via multiple sold–out tours, more than 400 million digital streams, and a documentary in conjunction with Red Bull Music entitled Architects of the New LA Sound.

Island Records’ President, Darcus Beese, announced last week the appointment of Christine Kauffman to the role of Sr. VP, Brand Partnerships for the label. Based in New York, Kauffman will report to Island’s COO, Eric Wong. Kauffman’s resume includes stints as a senior advertising executive with Bloomberg, Wired, The Daily Beat and InStyle.

Mogul Vision Music has launched as a new JV between Arista Records and Josh Marshall, the manager behind artists such as Smokepurpp, Lil Mosey and others. Based in New York, Marshall will serve as CEO for the new set–up which rolls out counting signings Blaatina and KennyHoopla.

In other Arista Records news, the label has added One Direction member Louis Tomlinson to its roster. The signing marks Tomlinson’s third label home within the Sony Music system having originally signed with RCA Records before heading to Syco in 2017. Since One Direction went on hiatus in 2015, Tomlinson has released three solo singles including “Back To You” feat. Bebe Rexha, “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki, and “Miss You,” his most recent effort. He’s currently at work on his debut full–length.

Last week, the BRIT Awards took place at London’s O2 Arena to recognize the success of both local and international talent from the past year. Among the winners for 2019 were: George Ezra (British Male Solo Artist; Jorja Smith (British Female Solo Artist); The 1975, who took honors for British Group as well as the Mastercard British Album of the Year for A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships; Tom Walker (British Breakthrough Act); Ed Sheeran (BRITs Global Success Awards); Calvin Harris (Best British Producer) and British Single honors for “One Kiss” with Dua Lipa; and Little Mix (British Artist Video) for “Woman Like Me” feat. Nicki Minaj; as well as recognition to international acts including: The Carters (International Group); Drake (International Male Solo Artist); Ariana Grande (International Female Solo Artist) and P!nk with Outstanding Contribution to Music. Having received the Critics Choice award, which was announced last December, was Sam Fender.

Live Nation’s portfolio has added one of Norway’s biggest rock and metal festivals, Tons of Rocks, as the promoter has made a majority stake acquisition of the event. Live Nation Norway and Tons of Rock have worked closely together since the festival’s debut edition when Slayer was secured as a headlining act. Since then, the event has welcomed international acts such as Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Ghost, Five Finger Death Punch and others. At the same time, Tons of Rock will transition to a larger site for 2019, moving to Ekeberg in Oslo, with this year’s lineup already counting headliners KISS, Volbeat and Def Leppard.

Downtown Music Publishing has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with Grammy–winning songwriter/recording artist Shaggy, whose album with Sting, 44/876, garnered Best Reggae Album at this year’s Grammy Awards. The deal encompasses his entire catalog of 12 studio albums, as well as future releases, and was announced as his upcoming solo album, Wah Gwaan?!, prepares for release in May. A seven–time Grammy nominee, past nods for Shaggy include six for Best Reggae Album with 1995’s Platinum–certified Boombastic, which won; Clothes Drop (2005); Intoxication (2007); Summer In Kingston (2011); his 2013 collaboration with Sly & Robbie, Out Of Many, One Music; as well as this year’s release with Sting. His 2000 hit single with longtime collaborator RikRok, “It Wasn’t Me,” was also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2001. A certified Diamond–selling artist, Shaggy is one of the top three streamed reggae artists on Spotify with 710 million plays. Released in 2000, Shaggy’s full–length, Hot Shot, earned him his first and second No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 with “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel.” The album hit six times Platinum and spent six weeks on Billboard’s Top Albums chart.

Maverick Management is growing its multi–national roster with the addition of Eshy Gazit to their staff, who brings with him his K–pop act, Monsta X. Gazit founded Gramophone Media Inc, and had previously been a Managing Partner with BTS stateside from 2016 to 2018, the period of time that saw the Korean boy band breaking into the American market. Recently, Gazit's work with Monsta X saw the group join iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball Tour in 2018, in addition to sold–out world tours and being counted as the first K–Pop act to perform at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival. Their most recent video for “Alligator” generated 10 million views in less than three days. Gazit’s career began as a multi–instrumentalist, sound engineer (Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Estelle, The Strokes) and music producer, with stops in marketing, A&R and management.

AEG Presents has acquired an interest in leading indie promoter Zero Mile Presents, based in Georgia. Under the deal, Zero Mile will maintain ownership. The firm was founded in 2016 by Orvold and Alan Sher, offering booking, marketing and operational support over three venues with Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse and Terminal West as well as Athens’ Georgia Theatre. In finalizing the partnership, AEG grows its footprint in the Southeast U.S. and will merge the new operations with The Bowery Presents, to focus on Georgia, Alabama and North and South Carolina collectively under the banner of Zero Mile Presents. The partnership will also see the construction of The Eastern, a new Georgia music venue expected to open its doors in spring/summer of 2020.

A collective, counting streaming platform Tidal, as well as venture capitalists/philanthropists Mark Lampert and Robert Nelsen, has unveiled a new initiative under the banner of Tidal Unplugged. The new $1 million artist grant program will seek to support emerging artists with selected acts finalizing four tracks for distribution, including an exclusive premiere on Tidal as well as promotion via Tidal’s Rising platform. The grant will also help to cover living expenses, equipment, and studio time as well as leading recording and creative support. Artists will maintain ownership of their master recordings with the program wrapping up with a Tidal Unplugged showcase set for November. Tidal Unplugged is driven by a donation from Lampert and Nelsen and will initially roll–out to artists in Detroit, MI, starting March 1st, the city where Lampert’s grandfather began his career in music. The initial program in Detroit will be followed by Unplugged opportunities in additional markets.

CAA has added Chris Isaak to their roster for representation across all areas in N. America. A singer/songwriter/actor, Isaak is well known for his hit single “Wicked Games” and was previously represented by WME. Across his three decade music career, Isaak has released 12 studio albums and has been nominated for multiple Grammys including for Best Rock Album and Male Rock Vocal Performance. In addition to “Wicked Games,” Isaak’s hit list includes “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying.” His most recent studio effort came in 2015 via Vanguard Records with First Comes the Night. On the acting front, credits for Isaak include roles in Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces, From the Earth to The Moon and three seasons of the The Chris Isaak Show, where he played himself. Additionally, he’s had guest roles on Friends, Melrose Place and Hot in Cleveland, as well as voice acting credits on Over the Garden Wall and American Dad, and as an X Factor Australia judge.

Interscope Geffen A&M has added former Sony Music U.S. Latin executive, Nir Seroussi, to their executive team as EVP with Interscope. Remaining based in Miami, Seroussi will sign and develop new talent, while looking to further the global reach of the label’s existing roster. Additionally, A&R executive Jorge Fonseca, and Jose Cedeno are reportedly parting ways with Sony to join Seroussi. Seroussi reports to John Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M.

As it prepares to launch in the Indian market, Spotify has seen Warner Music Group (WMG) file an injunction to stop the use of its music publishing rights in the territory. Despite other majors near to finalizing a licensing deal, WMG has not agreed to terms, with the injunction filed in India following Spotify’s claim of a statutory licence usually engaged for TV and radio. A Warner Music spokesperson said, “After months of negotiations, Spotify abruptly changed course and has falsely asserted a statutory license for our songwriters’ music publishing rights in India. We had no choice but to ask an Indian court for an injunction to prevent this. It’s our goal to hammer out a deal that works for everyone. We hope this is just a speed bump in the expansion of our long and successful global partnership.” A Spotify spokesperson responded, “Warner Music Group (WMG) instructed Warner/Chappell Music (WCM) to file for an injunction in an attempt to leverage WCM’s local Indian publishing rights, to extract concessions in WMG’s global renewal negotiations for musical recordings. WMG revoked a previously agreed upon publishing license for reasons wholly unrelated to Spotify’s launch in India. All other major labels and publishers have already agreed on economics and to license their music, and Spotify has also entered into a license with the local collecting society, while WCM remains the lone hold–out needed for a Spotify launch in India. WMG’s abusive behaviour would harm many non–Warner artists, labels and publishers, and prevent Spotify from competing in the market, leaving us no choice but to file for a statutory license. This statutory license, which allows for application to internet–based services, prevents WMG’s abusive practices, while ensuring all rights holders are compensated fairly. Under the statutory license, Spotify will pay WCM and their rights holders rates that are in line with the rates Spotify agreed to pay the leading Indian music entities, ensuring everyone involved will benefit from the new audiences and significant revenue the Indian market will bring. We will continue to assess our options at this stage.”

SESAC has added iconic singer/songwriter/artist David Crosby to the PRO for representation. Crosby’s career has seen him inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, both with The Byrds in 1991 and as a member of Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) in 1997. His solo work includes his most recent full–length, Sky Trails, released via BMG last October. The album marks the third release for Crosby in the three years since CSN parted ways. Earlier this year, Crosby was also the focal–point of David Crosby: Remember My Name, a documentary produced by Cameron Crowe which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Tracklib has grown its advisory board in bringing on Petra Hansson and Niklas Ivarsson, both former longtime Spotify executives. Hansson joined Spotify in 2007 and had served as General Counsel and Head of Business Affairs & Associate General Counsel. Ivarsson served in the role of the streamer’s Global Head of Licensing for nine years. Based in Stockholm, Tracklib is the first platform worldwide offering legal and affordable samples for purchase. The catalog currently counts over 70,000 tracks in high–quality formats with licenses varying by categories and sample length.

The RCA Records roster has seen the departure of artist Tinashe. According to comments from her manager, Mike Nazzaro, to Rolling Stone, the choice to part ways with the label was hers and she wasn’t dropped from RCA. Tinashe had commented to Billboard last year that she felt her music wasn’t fitting well into the Pop or Urban departments at RCA.

ole has finalized an exclusive worldwide deal with Parallel Music Publishing to acquire 100% of the company’s catalog including over 6,500 songs. Under the deal, ole also adds 6 active songwriters to its roster, as well as a number of singles expected to hit the charts in 2019. Additionally, Parallel Co–Founder and Managing Partner, Tim Hunze, joins ole as Sr. Director of Creative. Working out of ole’s Nashville office, Hunze brings extensive experience in music publishing and recorded music to the publisher’s roster. Founded in 1992 as a personal management company to launch the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Parallel quickly became a leading talent management, music publishing and production company. The Parallel catalog counts No.1 hits with The Band Perry’s “Better Dig Two,” Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It,” Justin Moore’s “Till My Last Day,” and Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In the Morning,” as well as Miranda Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart,” which went to No.2 at Country Radio.

Singer and actress, Ashley Tisdale, has joined the roster at ICM Partners for worldwide representation across music. Tisdale’s international team of agents at ICM will be led by Mike Hayes. Tisdale’s career was kick–started as a member of the cast for TV film series, High School Musical. In 2006, she signed with Warner Bros. Records and released her debut full–length, Headstrong, in 2007. The set debuted at No.5 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold. Her sophomore album, Guilty Pleasure, was released in 2009 and debuted at No.12 on the Billboard 200. Symptoms, her third album release, is set for Spring via Big Noise. Her most recent single, “Love Me & Let Me Go,” was featured via the New Music Friday playlist on Spotify in 12 countries with single, “Voices In My Head” generating more than 1.5 million YouTube views and 1.6 million streams globally.

Former Creed frontman, Scott Stapp, has signed to Napalm Records. The Grammy–winning artist had battled with addiction and depression and has been sober for five years, attributing the success of his recovery largely to MusiCares. Apart from Creed, Stapp’s solo effort career produced the full–length, The Great Divide (2005), which was certified Platinum.

Canadian performing rights organization, SOCAN, has revealed initial figures on royalties collected and paid out to members for 2018 with combined collections for domestic and international increasing by 11% over 2017 to $374 million CAD. The overall figure also includes about $5 million CAD in reproduction rights as a result of the acquisition of mechanical rights organization SODRAC in July. International royalties are expected to reach at least $87 million CAD which would mark a 15% increase over 2017. Distributions to SOCAN members also increased to $315 million CAD from $295 million CAD. Revenue increases were experienced over 2017 on the domestic front (8%) and Internet-based licensed music (27%). Numbers will go through an audit by KPMG to be approved by SOCAN’s Board of Directors. SOCAN also reported that “non–Canadian sources” mark the top revenue stream for members, increasing 70% over the past five years.

Copenhagen–based GL Music Entertainment A/S has added the catalogue of Raleigh Music Group, based in New York, to the growing list of independents it represents. As it continues to place itself as the leading administrator and creative publisher in the Nordics, GL Music Entertainment welcomes Raleigh Music Group catalogue that includes works by Elvis Presley, George Gershwin, Mohammed Ali and others. The deal will see GL representing this classic catalogue in the Nordic countries.

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) has announced a new Chair in Peter Quicke, Managing Director of Ninja Tune, who takes the position to replace Tim Dellow of Transgressive. The AIM Chair is a board appointment and rotates annually, although Dellow has served in the role for two years at the special request of the board to assist the transition of Paul Pacifico into the role of CEO. Peter Quicke joined the management team of Ninja Tune in 1992, two years after its launch. The company has offices in LA and Montreal and is known for signing forward–thinking, unconventional artists such as The Cinematic Orchestra, DJ Food, The Heavy, Fink, Lou Rhodes, Kate Tempest, Roots Manuva, Young Fathers and Mr. Scruff. Ninja Tune now also acts as an umbrella for other creative firms including Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder imprint, and Werkdiscs/Ninja Tune, the label founded by Actress.

Shore Fire Media President and Founder, Marilyn Laverty, has announced the promotion of Jaclyn D. Carter to Director of Publicity. Having joined the company in 2013, Carter is based out of Shore Fire’s Nashville office. She previously served as Sr. Account Executive. Carter’s work has seen her helping guide campaigns for Big Yellow Dog Music, Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest, CeCe Winans, Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis, Justin Moore and others. She has been a participant in the Grammy Next professional development program, and has served on the board of Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP).

Former bassist/guitarist and singer for The Monkees, Peter Tork, passed away last week at the age of 77. Tork’s passing was confirmed on his official Facebook page with a cause of death not revealed. The Monkees, a group which was formed as a fictitious band for a musical variety TV show, was composed of Tork along with Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz. After a two–year–stint on the show, The Monkees performed live through 1971, with a number of reunion tours that followed. In addition to his work with The Monkees, Tork also performed with side projects Shoe Suede Blues, The Dashboard Saints and The Peter Tork Project.

Have you ever sent a personal IM to the wrong screen name, accidentally replied “send all” on an E–mail, or made a total ass of yourself? Yes, we’ve all had a jackass moment at one time or another in our life. Sports can be active, healthy and fun, but can also be dangerous. Click HERE to watch some slips, slides, bumps and bruises from around the sports world.

A&R WORLDWIDE’S "ARTIST OF THE WEEK"– DEMOB HAPPY

Demob Happy is a Newcastle–spawned, Brighton–based trio that formed in 2008. Musically, they’ve been compared to the likes of Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, The Beatles and The Stooges with their off–kilter pop music that is heavy and intoxicating. Their music has earned support from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Virgin Radio, Amazing Radio, and a number of Alternative stations and Specialty shows in the U.S. After a year of incredible touring, with a sold–out U.K. run and extensive support tours with Jack White, Nothing But Thieves and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes taking them across arenas in the U.K., Europe and N. America, Demob Happy just launched their biggest U.K. headline tour over the weekend, alongside multiple U.S. dates in March and May with shows in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and more. Listen to their latest single, “Less Is More” HERE and contact Matthew Stuart at Matthew.Stuart@atcmanagement.com, as Demob Happy (SO Recordings) is available for licensing opportunities.

A&R WORLDWIDE’S "VIDEO OF THE WEEK" – MICHEL YOUNG

There are many ways to describe Michel Young, but saying he is unique, talented, and charismatic just seem to only scratch the surface. However, there is one word that ties them all together and is true to his character–Michel Young is real. Very few people sing so honestly from their heart and soul and Michel does so in just the right way and creates authentic, infectious and timeless pop! Michel Young’s latest single “Come Over” got its first radio support internationally on the influential Passport Approved program and as a result has been added to the official playlist to a number of radio stations worldwide, which has resulted in a substantial increase in his streams, socials and Shazam tags. Michel has the knack for combining art, story, and song in perfect unison. His crafty single “Come Over” is the third release from the Swedish artist, which followed “Nobody’s Holy” and “Talk Talk.” Watch the video for “Come Over” HERE.